May as well start with the obvious:
1. Best Mascara
* Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Mascara
Not only does the little brush grab every lash and elongate it, but the mascara also seems to make my lashes grow more lush. Turns out this was part of the intent of the mascara, though they don't advertise it. I'm not AS crazy about the waterproof version, but it's still a really nice mascara.
2. Best Body & Hand Lotion
* Jason: Lavender Hand & Body Therapy Lotion
I am constantly searching for really moisturizing lotions since I live in the driest state in the continent. And, being allergic to Shea Butter, all the good ones were out of reach . . . or so I thought. Then I tried my Mom's Jason Lavender lotion and learned that Mom is ALWAYS right (well, MOSTLY right). It's incredibly moisturizing - even on my normally so-dry-they-peel hands, and the scent is wonderful. This coming from someone who usually avoids lavender products because often the smell is cloying. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive.
* Cleanser: Kiehl's Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser
This simple cleanser gets your whole day off of your face while still being extremely gentle. Plus, Kiehl's products are anti-animal testing - which is a huge plus in my book. All of that said, I still haven't forgiven Kiehl's for discontinuing the BEST face cleanser (a wonderful, creamy milk and honey concoction) that made my skin incredibly soft. But I have made up for this with:
*LaConchita Naturals Honey Drops
I have often blessed Etsy.com for providing me with unique and wonderful little shopping joys, but this one really takes the cake. After Kiehl's broke my heart with the cancellation of its milk and honey cleanser, I spent hours online searching for another oil-free cleanser with honey (which seems to really add moisture without causing acne). Lo and behold, I discovered LaConchita's honey drops which I just add to my cleanser before using it, and my face ends up clean, soft and smelling sweet.
* Oil-Free Face Lotion: Kiehl's Sodium PCA Oil Free Moisturizer
And we are back to Kiehl's. Having tried so many products, I have really found Kiehls to be the only line that works for my skin. In fact, they have the only eye serum that doesn't make me look like I got in a bar fight the night before - and I've tried ALL of the sensitive eye serums on the market. And reacted to them all. In any case, as most folks with acne-prone skin know, oil-free lotions are a necessity, but they also tend to be thin and not very moisturizing. Or so I believed until I tried the Sodium PCA Oil Free Moisturizer. This thick, wonderful cream fully softens and moisturizes without causing any breakouts. Plus, a tiny bit goes a long way, so one jar will usually last me at least 6 months.
* Fighting Aging: Philosophy Booster Retinol Caps & Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder
I had all but given up on any chance to stop the wrinkles and lines slowly growing on my face since most products cause my face to erupt like an active volcano. Welcome Philosophy Booster Caps with Retinol. These little gold pods which you twist open have a gooey Retinol-filled fluid inside that you mix with your lotion at night and, VOILA, the next morning your skin looks radiant and younger. So far, I have not had any sensitivity to the caps, though I use them every other night. A more recent discovery from the same line is Philosophy's Turbo Booster C Powder which you use in your lotion in the morning. It gives you instant brightness and, because it's a powder, doesn't "turn" like many other Vitamin C anti-agers.
4. Best Red Lipstick for Fair Skin
* Clinique's Angel Red
My husband and I started watching film-noir movies every Saturday night, and I pined to have my lips look as red and luscious as the leading ladies (at least in the few films that were in color). Turns out, though, that unless you are on the Oscar's red carpet, most red lipsticks can make you look more like you are trying out for Barnum & Bailey's clown car. I tried on numerous shades at makeup counters and bought too many Revlon's at the drug store only to constantly be disappointed. Then I read about Clinique's Angel Red in a magazine and rushed out to try it. It's the perfect red. Not too pigmented that you can only wear it at night, enough blue in it so that you don't look clownish, and enough moisture so you don't see lip lines. Bring on the red carpet.
5. Best Eyeliners
* Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner
Eyeliner is a new addition to my beauty routine. For too many years I eyed the little pencil fearfully - unable to put it on in a nice, straight line. One day, wandering around Sephora, I picked up one of Makeup Forever's beautifully pigmented eyeliners, and I was "Forever" theirs. The liner is soft enough that you can make it smokey if you wish. It glides on with beautiful precision and lasts until you take it off at night. And the colors are truly remarkable and vibrant.
6. Best Foundation
* Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup
Perhaps the one place I agree with the magazines' top 10 is Bare Escentuals Foundation and Mineral Veil. Ever since I tried this makeup four years ago, I have been hooked. My skin immediately became more even and glowing - even without the makeup. With the makeup my face looks flawless, but not cakey. In fact, most folks don't think I'm wearing any makeup - and I get constant complements on my "flawless" skin. The Mineral Veil is key to finishing the look after using the foundation and any other makeup you chose. The moment you put it on, your look comes together with a perfect 1940s softness. The added bonus is that both the foundation and Mineral Veil contain SPF 15, AND, should you choose, you can now get Mineral Veil that contains SPF 25.
7. Best Jewelry
* Harmony Scott and The Artisan Center
Okay, technically no magazines include jewelry in their top beauty list. But I think it's essential to the whole package. Plus, nothing in the world makes you feel more beautiful than a gorgeous accessory. Both of the stores listed above carry unusual and stunning jewelry guaranteed to become your favorite pieces and garner you numerous compliments. Harmony Scott is a local Colorado jeweler who has stores in Carbondale and Aspen and creates incredible jewelry art. Never fear, you don't need to drive all the way up to Carbondale. Her website [www.harmonyscott.com] is loaded with wonderful goodies - and, if you sign up for her newsletter or become a Facebook fan, you often get great deals. The Artisan Center in Cherry Creek North carries similar gorgeous and eclectic pieces from many different jewelers - many of them local.
This list is by no means complete. I expect to continue adding more products as I suddenly remember what wonderful discovery I forgot to share.
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